IIT Roorkee and Industry Partners Join Forces to Drive Innovation and Skill Development
In a move that could significantly boost India’s electric vehicle (EV) industry, the Ministry of Heavy Industries (MHI) has partnered with the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Roorkee to establish a Center of Excellence (CoE) on Automotive and Allied Research and Technology Innovations (AARTI).
This initiative, echoing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a self-reliant India (“Atmanirbhar Bharat”), aims to propel the country’s automotive sector towards technological advancements and global competitiveness.
Key highlights of the partnership:
- The CoE brings together academia and industry expertise. IIT Roorkee’s strong research capabilities will be complemented by the industry experience of the International Centre for Automotive Technology (ICAT), creating a hub for innovation.
- The CoE will provide a platform for researchers, startups, and established businesses to collaborate. This is expected to foster an environment conducive to the development of new technologies and the creation of a skilled workforce for the EV sector.
- An Industry Accelerator will be established alongside the CoE to specifically aid startups in the EV domain. This aligns with the “Make in India” initiative, promoting indigenous development of EV technologies.
Expected Benefits:
- Technological Progress: The CoE is expected to accelerate research and development in areas critical to EVs, such as battery technology, charging infrastructure, and efficient electric motors.
- Boost to Domestic Manufacturing: By supporting startups and indigenous technology development, the CoE can help reduce reliance on imported EV components.
- Skilled Workforce Creation: The focus on skill development will ensure that India has a workforce equipped to handle the demands of the growing EV industry.
This initiative aligns with the Indian government’s ambitions to become a global leader in the EV sector. The CoE directly supports the “Make in India” and “Atmanirbhar Bharat” programs by promoting domestic manufacturing and technological self-reliance.
Dr. Mahendra Nath Pandey, Minister of Heavy Industries, emphasized the CoE’s role in achieving “a pivotal moment in our journey towards a ‘Viksit Bharat’ (developed India)”.
Prof. K. K. Pant, Director of IIT Roorkee, said the CoE “will be a beacon of innovation, fostering collaboration between academia and industry.”
Mr. Saurabh Dalela, Director of ICAT, stated that the collaboration “symbolizes a convergence of cutting-edge research and industry expertise.”
The establishment of the CoE is a significant step towards India’s aspirations of becoming a major player in the global EV market. By fostering research, development, and collaboration, this initiative has the potential to drive innovation and economic growth in the country’s automotive sector.